Babajide explains Jota-like goal celebration
Super Falcons’ Coach, Justine Madugu, has charged his girls to strive towards converting all their chances to goals as they continue their battle for a 10th title at the ongoing African Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria defeated Tunisia 3-0 in their opening game of the championship in Casablanca, but Madugu was not impressed by the many chances that the girls missed in the encounter.
Madugu described the 3-0 defeat of Tunisia as a fantastic way to begin the campaign, saying that the momentum created by the win will drive them to more wins in the championship.
“It always feels good each time you set out for a game. The ultimate goal for you is to win, and the fact that the team won, is enough for us to be happy, and we are happy that the team won,” he said after the game.
“We had the opportunity of scoring more goals, which we did not take. We’ll work on the team to correct the lapses.” The coach said that all hands are on deck to ensure a successful campaign, adding that every player will get her chance to play as the competition progresses.
“The game is a team sport. You all need each other. And so we strive as much as possible to ensure that we do the right thing by being fair and transparent in all that we do.
“As I said, everybody has an equal chance of being on the team. So whoever does well continues, whoever does not do well, obviously, because we want to do better, we have the privilege of making those changes so that we get the team going.”
Meanwhile, Super Falcons’ star of the game against Tunisia, Omorinsola Babajide, has said that her goal celebration against Tunisia was in honour of deceased Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota, reports soccernet.ng.
The 27-year-old, on her WAFCON debut, played an important part for the Nigerian female team, providing the assist for Asisat Oshoala’s opener before finding the back of the net herself in the closing minutes of the first half.
After Rinsola’s left-footed strike beat the Tunisian goalkeeper, she chose to celebrate like Diogo Jota, who died in a tragic car crash in the late hours of Friday night.
It particularly hit home for the pacy winger because she played for Liverpool between 2018 and 2022, donning the number 20 jersey Jota wore as well.
“It was for Diogo Jota and his brother as well. So that was like one of the biggest celebrations at the club. We call it the signatory celebration, so I just wanted to do something for him. He was one of my best players at the club when I was there as well, and may the souls of both of them rest in peace,” the former Brighton winger said.
On her debut goal, the Tenerife winger said: “It’s a bit of relief more than anything. I’ve had a few appearances, a few assists, but I was always missing that first goal, so I’m just happy to get that out of the way.
“Also, to be able to contribute to a win in such a huge tournament is a privilege.
“Now, we want to win the trophy, have a better performance in each game, and then score as many goals as possible.”
